Bullseye viewers say constant clapping is 'ruining' reboot

"This is why the classics should be left in the past," read one social media complaint.

Andrew 'Freddie' Flintoff is the host of ITV's Bullseye reboot. (ITV/12 Yard Production)
Andrew 'Freddie' Flintoff is the host of ITV's Bullseye reboot. (ITV/12 Yard Production)

ITV1's rebooted darts-themed gameshow Bullseye aired its Christmas special on Sunday, 22 December, but viewers were left annoyed by the constant clapping within the sound mix.

Fronted by Freddie Flintoff in his major return to primetime TV — the ex-cricketer suffered severe injuries whilst shooting a driving sequence for Top Gear back in 2022 and needed to take a lengthy period of time off work — the festive episode saw three teams of two throwing arrows at the board and answering questions to build up their prize pot.

It was all fun and games in the studio, hampered by unnecessary mechanical audience clapping at any given interval.

Kenny, Tony, Kim, Curtis, Mary & Vicky took part in Bullseye. (ITV/12 Yard Production)
Kenny, Tony, Kim, Curtis, Mary & Vicky took part in Bullseye. (ITV/12 Yard Production)

Over on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), one verdict read: "@ITV The new #Bullseye show, really looked forward to this, however, please please please if you do another can you stop the compulsory clapping by the audience. So annoying!"

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"I get there would be an applause for answering a question right, but why are the audience clapping them for selecting the category before the dart is thrown at the board?" asked another fan, before a third went on to quip: "Needs more clapping..."

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Fan complaints over the audio didn't end there, either...

Darts sensation Luke Littler was a guest on Bullseye. (ITV/12 Yard Production)
Darts sensation Luke Littler was a guest on Bullseye. (ITV/12 Yard Production)

Meanwhile, World No. 4 darts sensation Luke Littler (who is just 17-years-old) stopped by the Bullseye studio to help the contestants boost their winnings.

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This guest appearance somehow transformed into another bone of contention for those watching at home, with many people thinking the programme overindulged Littler throughout the episode.

"They're milking Luke Littler in this," was one comment on X.

A second writer pointed out: "Luke looks embarrassed with this OTT fawning."

Bullseye airs on ITV1.